How to apply for a tree removal permit in Davis, California

A 5-step walkthrough drawn from Davis's tree-protection ordinance. For the underlying DBH thresholds, protected-species list, and full fee schedule, see the city ordinance page.

Expected processing time: 3-6 weeks. Plan removal timing accordingly — emergency-tree provisions may differ.

  1. 1

    Determine if your tree is regulated

    Trees at or above 5" DBH (diameter at breast height) are regulated. Protected Tree: any tree on public property, all street trees regardless of size, and designated Landmark Trees on private property. Native oaks, Valley Oak, and other heritage native species 5+ inches DBH protected city-wide on development sites. Heritage / landmark designation: Landmark Trees designated by City Council or Tree Commission for exceptional size, age, species rarity, historical association, or community value. Tree City USA community since 1978.

  2. 2

    Determine who must apply

    Eligible applicants in Davis: Property owner, adjacent property owner (for parkway trees), or authorized agent with arborist report.

  3. 3

    Prepare your assessment report

    Your assessment report must include: Species identification, DBH, health and structural assessment, justification for removal, photo documentation, replacement plan. Required certifications: ISA Certified Arborist.

  4. 4

    Submit to the permitting department

    Submit your application and assessment report to Public Works Department. Typical processing time: 3-6 weeks. Reference the full ordinance at https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/urban-forestry.

    View the full Davis ordinance

  5. 5

    Plan for replacement obligations

    Replacement ratio: 1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Landmark Trees and heritage native oaks. Replacement species from approved Davis Street Tree List; 15-gallon minimum container size. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible.

Where to file

Public Works Department

Other California permit walkthroughs

See California replacement obligations compared — how Davis's replacement ratio ranks against the rest of the state.

See California heritage criteria compared — how Davis's designation rules stack against the rest of the state.

Compare with nearby cities

Need an arborist report for your Davis permit?

Capture an ISA TRAQ Level 1, 2, or 3 assessment in the field and export a municipality-ready PDF that fits Davis's required report sections. Free, no account required.

Start a TRAQ assessment